DIY Life

We were out at the park today and the sky was suddenly dark with rain clouds. I was reminded that fall is quickly approaching and the cooler weather is probably just weeks away. As I mourn the passing of long days in the sun watching the boys at the park and think about cold, wet mornings on the soccer sidelines, I immediately think about the warmth of a coffee in my hands.

Tanya Ryno saved me a bunch of money over the summer by putting out a post on how to make great iced coffee at home. Now I'm thinking about the cold weather, my itch for that Starbucks ritual is starting to resurface. My home brew is always somehow inferior. Still, my resolution is to bring coffee from home and seriously limit my coffee outings for the odd occasion or something social. The challenge now: duplicating the perfect cup of coffee I've come to love. Jon Butt wrote an article on Ten Timeless Tips To a Perfect Cup of Coffee. Everything matters, from choosing the bean, to perfecting the grinding method. The way you brew the coffee makes a huge difference, right down the the water you use and the cleanliness of your coffee maker. I was particularly surprised by the suggestion that the type of basket or filter makes such a difference. Using an unbleached filter, or better yet gold or stainless steel mesh will keep the coffee tasting how it was intended. Finally he stresses the importance of choosing the right kind of cup. While I may not be using a glass or porcelain mug while I'm on the run, I will be using these tips to recreate a quality cup of coffee.